TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 28, 2023 2:34 pm

I got a 1986 Van, I need to buy new pads and shoes.
What are good brands for shoes and pads? I want excellent stopping.

I know that pad material can make a huge difference in stopping ability. I know what brand I like best for some cars, but am clueless as to which brand is best for a Vanagon. I am not as concerned about amount of brake dust, nor noise, rather I want best stopping. I have a porsche 914 and use a race brake compound, excellent stopping, but noisey and dusty.

What brand for Vanagon is great at stopping? Any brands to avoid regardless of price?

Fri Jul 28, 2023 3:25 pm

For the front brake pads I would suggest TRW, internal number GDB 399. They make black dust, good bite cold and good fade resistance just like stock Euro brakes from the 90's etc. Textar is excellent also, internal part number 2097904 I use a lot of Textar on BMW VAG MBZ etc.. They are a division of the Nisshinbo Group. Look up their history on the interweb.

For the brake shoes I have used lots of aftermarket ones but now it is mostly no name far eastern shoes. But ATE is still supplying shoes. ATE # 650148 or 03.0137-0148.2 Zimmermann drums are the best available. 600.1952.20

Fri Jul 28, 2023 3:53 pm

I know nothing about you except for this post.

First off Welcome to Vanagon World!

Anyway.....I get the feeling that you are the type of driver who is going to be woefully dissatisfied with factory brakes, no matter the lining design.

You might check into some of the big brake kits being offered.
Burley motorsport
VanCafe
GoWesty
Just a few among others.......

Dave

Fri Jul 28, 2023 5:41 pm

Hawk pads on the front. One of their street compounds. If you have time Porterfield can reline your rear shoes with a better compound. Our van stops fine, but it takes a couple days to get used to it compared to our daily drivers.